For my 19DK chiller: to find compression ratio of this system which operates in a vacuum (R-11), typically 14"hgVAC with 7 psig head, can I use this formula: comp ratio=head pressure +14.7 divided by suction pressure + 14.7?

01-12-2013, 08:52 PM

hvacrmedic

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpodany88

For my 19DK chiller: to find compression ratio of this system which operates in a vacuum (R-11), typically 14"hgVAC with 7 psig head, can I use this formula: comp ratio=head pressure +14.7 divided by suction pressure + 14.7?

21.7psia/6.9 psia=3.14 compression ratio. If you have digital gauges then just switch to absolute pressure units, such as psia, then you can enter those directly in the equation. Compression ratio is the ratio of absolute pressures. HTH.

01-12-2013, 09:05 PM

Tech Rob

You first have to convert inches of mercury to PSIG by multiplying by .491. Then, you can add 14.7 to both discharge and suction to obtain PSIA for both. Divide suction into discharge and you have your compression ratio.

01-12-2013, 11:26 PM

hvacrmedic

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvacrmedic

21.7psia/6.9 psia=3.14 compression ratio. If you have digital gauges then just switch to absolute pressure units, such as psia, then you can enter those directly in the equation. Compression ratio is the ratio of absolute pressures. HTH.

Sorry, I forgot to subtract my converted low side pressure from the atmospheric pressure . 14 in hg = 6.9 psi, not 6.9 psia, and is measured relative to 0 psig, not 0 psia. 0 psig in turn is equal to 14.7 psia. So the low side absolute pressure is given by 14.7 psia - 6.9 psi = 7.8 psia.

So the compression ratio was actually 21.7/7.8 = 2.78

01-12-2013, 11:31 PM

tpodany88

Thanks!

02-12-2013, 09:54 PM

muskey

hu compression ratio on a centrifugal compressor? Thought it had more to do with stroke and volume.Or maybe not but got me thinking:grin2: